Venezuelan president tries out new emergency powers
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro exercised new emergency powers for the first time Thursday, signing decrees limiting business profit margins and tightening regulation of imports.
Chinese cyber spying may justify sanctions: US panel
A US panel Wednesday raised the specter of sanctions against China, warning Congress that Beijing has not curbed its rampant spying on American interests, a major national security concern.
21 November 2013
Fiji minister cool on rejoining 'irrelevant' Commonwealth
Fiji's foreign minister has labelled the Commonwealth "irrelevant" and said the Pacific nation is in no hurry to rejoin the international organisation that suspended it four years ago.
21 November 2013
US, Afghanistan agree post-2014 troop deal
Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday he had nailed down terms governing the presence of US troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014, just hours before Afghan leaders debate the deal.
21 November 2013
Obama, Clinton unite at JFK's grave
A pair of Democratic presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton silently honored John F. Kennedy at the former US leader's grave Wednesday, marking the 50th anniversary of his assassination.
21 November 2013
US rules out Afghanistan 'apology' in security talks
The United States has ruled out apologizing to Afghanistan for "mistakes" made during the 12-year war and denied claims in Kabul that such a mea culpa was being drafted.
New York City raises legal age for cigarettes to 21
A New York City law banning cigarette sales to people under 21 was signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday, the latest move in the Big Apple's war on smoking.
High-stakes Iran nuclear talks to resume
Iran and world powers resume talks on Wednesday seeking a landmark breakthrough over Tehran's nuclear programme that also satisfies sceptical hardliners in Washington, Israel and the Islamic republic.
20 November 2013
Ukraine to debate Tymoshenko bill to save EU deal
Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday was set to debate a bill to let jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko go abroad for treatment in a last-ditch attempt to save a crucial deal with the European Union.
Arab, Africa leaders to review economic ties at summit
Arab and African leaders are to start a two-day summit in Kuwait on Tuesday to review steps to promote economic ties between wealthy Gulf states and investment-thirsty Africa.
19 November 2013
Obama implores supporters for help on health law crisis
President Barack Obama delved into his grass-roots organizing past Monday, appealing to his most faithful supporters to help him out of the political maelstrom over the botched rollout of his health care law.